Assoc. Prof. Dr. Farhana Sarker began her academic journey with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering from Darul Ihsan University, Dhaka, Bangladesh (2000–2004), where she consistently demonstrated academic excellence and earned a place on the Dean’s List of Honor. Her outstanding undergraduate performance earned her several prestigious scholarships, including an undergraduate scholarship and district-level talent pool awards. Driven by a passion for technology and innovation, she went on to pursue her Ph.D. in Computer Science at the School of Electronics and Computer Science, University of Southampton, UK (2009–2014), supported by the prestigious EPSRC Ph.D. Scholarship.
Professional Endeavors
Dr. Sarker brings rich professional experience from both academia and industry. She has worked extensively in the software and telecom industries and played vital roles in national ICT initiatives. Notably, she collaborated with the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Division of the Government of Bangladesh in various policy-making capacities. Her leadership extended into academia where she led key Outcome-Based Education (OBE) initiatives at several universities, including Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) and Southeast University (SEU). She has also held significant committee roles at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB), contributing to admissions, curriculum, quality assurance, and harassment prevention.
Contributions and Research Focus
Dr. Sarker’s research is positioned at the intersection of AI, data analytics, healthcare, and education. Her active involvement in high-impact, grant-funded projects showcases her commitment to leveraging technology for social good. Some notable research projects include Susastho.AI (an AI solution for sexual, reproductive, and mental health backed by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation), AIMScribe (an intelligent medical scribe), and Deep-Depression (a BCI system to identify depression). She has also explored the integration of augmented reality for autism education, neuromarketing using Brain-Computer Interface and eye-tracking, and digital inclusion in agriculture and disability support. Across these projects, she has served as a Co-Investigator or Principal Consultant, often securing substantial national and international funding.
Impact and Influence
Dr. Sarker’s influence is reflected in her ongoing participation in global academic and scientific communities. She has served as a session chair, steering committee member, and technical program secretary in reputed IEEE conferences like ICCIT, MIET, and BECITHCON. Her leadership in AI4GH (Artificial Intelligence for Global Health) and her frequent involvement with ICT ministry-backed projects have made her a strong voice in shaping Bangladesh’s digital transformation agenda. Additionally, her co-founding of CMED Health, a digital health platform, showcases her entrepreneurial mindset and dedication to real-world impact.
Academic Cites & Recognitions
Dr. Sarker has been consistently featured in the AD Scientific Index Rankings from 2021 to 2024, a testament to her research productivity and impact. Her scholarly contributions have earned her prestigious recognitions including the Distinguished Research Scholarship from King Saud University and multiple performance awards during her time in industry and academia.
Technical Skills
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Structured & Object-Oriented Programming
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System Analysis & Design
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Automata Theory, Data Structures, and Algorithms
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Computer Networks & Fundamentals
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Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Data Analytics
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Data Science Applications in Healthcare and Education
Teaching Experience
With a passion for education, Dr. Sarker has taught and mentored hundreds of students in diverse areas of Computer Science. Her core teaching subjects include programming, system design, theoretical computer science, and networking, reflecting her broad academic repertoire. She has also contributed to curriculum development, question moderation, and quality assurance at department levels across multiple institutions.
Legacy and Future Contributions
As a thought leader, Dr. Farhana Sarker is committed to fostering interdisciplinary research and technological innovation for public benefit. She envisions a future where AI-driven solutions play a pivotal role in transforming healthcare accessibility, inclusive education, and social well-being in developing nations. Through her mentorship, leadership in OBE committees, and proactive engagement in funded research, she is nurturing the next generation of computer scientists and technologists. Her legacy is one of visionary academic stewardship and impactful research with tangible societal benefits.